By DAVID LOCKWOOD
14 May 2007

You flick the wrist, lower the arm, twitch, wind, twitch, wind some more, then press your right foot, turn about, and flick again. But if you thought I'm describing the highland jig you're only half right...

Fishing with soft-plastic lures and jigs is the latest craze taking Australia by storm and now, hot on the heels of the American bass- fishing circuit, comes a range of purpose-built fishing boats from Ranger for the local lure-casting enthusiast.

Founded in 1968, Ranger is as much a part of Middle America as cheerleaders, Chevrolets and spinner baits. One of the biggest manufacturers of high-speed tournament bass boats in the world, it builds 40 different models and, unusually for a production boat builder, offers customisations by way of optional gear, graphics and finish.

Though the boatbuilder accommodates family fishers and has a saltwater series (primarily for flats fishing), its specialty is building bass boats with one purpose in mind... luring lunkers in flat water. If not bass here then think bream, trout or top-end barra.

There are three series: the top-of-the-line Z Commanche, the mid- priced tournament VX Commanche, and the entry-level VS Series. The flagship of the latter range, the 188V3 tested here is a sassy and very bassy flat-water fishing boat.

The base bass boat was enhanced by the addition of the optional Tournament Pack including bow-mounted sounder, illuminated bait wells and rod storage compartments, tackle-storage system, remote oil filler, plus keel guard, column-mounted trim lever and Hot Foot recessed foot throttle.

If not the construction and the fishing features then it's the car- like finish of the Rangers that will win you over. The attention to detail, graphics and metallic silver and metal-flake blue gel coat, the fish box liners, carpet and dash are all applied with care.

Even the custom Ranger aluminium trailer is a work of art, with hydraulic brakes, independent suspension, a swing-away tongue and more.

On the construction front, the Rangers are filled with closed-cell foam for upright level flotation, have a foam-filled fibreglass stringer system to help make them monocoque and rattle-free one-piece boats, and are backed by a lifetime hull warranty.

Some components such as hatch lids are composite to reduce weight, and they have gas struts to assist with access, but just as much thought has gone into the hull design.

For example, the transom on the 188VS has an outboard setback so that, when you back of the (foot) throttle in a hurry, water doesn't wash aboard. This was nice to know, as the demo boat was paired with a not-inconsiderable 175hp Optimax outboard that might otherwise generate up a decent transom wave.

Because it's intended for tournament work, the Ranger has a high performance hull with snappy hole shot and, underway, a huge amount of lateral lift. Though there isn't much freeboard, the bow is flared.

Having said that, I managed to put the bow through the back of a brace of unsuspecting waves. While we got wet and I drowned a mobile phone, the Ranger was to be commended for keeping the water out of all its waterproof tackle lockers and storage bins.

Also, along with some air cushioning from the hull, the blows were absorbed by the suspension seating. But you do need to power up to keep the nose up.

When not underway, most of the boat sits low in the water and the so- called Rite Track Keel helps slow your drift rate so you have more time to pitch your lure in the strike zone.

The 188Vs's 2.31-metre beam and low COG also assist stability when you shift around the deck. That flat deck, the heart of this boat,has been designed from the keel up for fishing.

There is a foot throttle built in for the 24V high-thrust Minn Kota 70lb Maxxum electric motor, which runs off two 12V batteries back aft. Electronics range from front- and rear-mounted Lowrance X-135 depth sounders and transducers to a dual-pro battery charger and full spread of switches and gauges on the dash and bow panel.

The boat has a handy carpeted casting platform fitted with retractable rod stows for carrying rigged gear between runs. Underfloor is a catacomb of storage including insulated icebox, rod locker, live wells and more.

Plant to the foot throttle and the Ranger 118VS bass boat with the maximum 175hp outboard jumps then roars to a top speed of 68mph on the dash. I couldn't read the handheld GPS at top revs, but did note that the boat felt comfortable crossing the choppy water at 3500rpm and, I suppose, high-20 to 30 knots.

The boat's 144 litre sub-floor fuel capacity should see you through most days of flat-water fishing on big impoundments and long rivers. And, like a cocky American, the Ranger comes with a fish-measuring ruler at the ready. One neat fishing boat.

AT-A-GLANCE
Ranger 188VS
Price as tested: $56,900 w/ 175hp Optimax outboard, aluminium Ranger trailer and optional engine upgrade; custom metal-flake hull; custom Ranger trailer; Tournament pack including bow-mounted sounder, lighted bait wells and rod storage compartments and tackle-storage system; remote oil filler; keel guard; trim lever; Hot Foot recessed foot throttle; safety gear, regos and more.
Priced from: $51,990 w/ 115hp Optimax outboard and trailer.
Length Overall: 5.60m
Beam: 2.31m
Freeboard: 0.51 metre internal
Weight: Around 715kg base boat, hull only dry. About 1690kg on road
Fuel Capacity: 144ltr
Persons and gear: 567kg
Recommended HP: 150
Maximum HP: 175
Engine: Mercury Optimax 175 direct-injection petrol V6 two-stroke outboard motor
Rated HP: 175hp @ 5250-5750rpm max
Props: Standard 23in three-blade S/S
Details: Sportsfishing Boats Australia, 105 Batt Street, Penrith, NSW, 2750. Telephone: (02) 4732 5249, Dean Hayes 0408 334 892, see www.sfba.com.au for dealers.